Greater Lowell Tech students STAND UP to bullying

The Lowell Sun

Updated:
12/30/2012 06:37:10 AM EST

TYNGSBORO -- Twenty-eight students from Greater Lowell Technical High School recently joined nearly 5,000 middle- and high-school students and teachers from across Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island at the Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell for a one-day program to take a stand against all forms of bullying.

STAND UP 2012 was created to educate, motivate and empower young people to actively promote positive social change in their schools and communities.

Greater Lowell Tech student Shane Graham-Bevis was a guest speaker at the event. He was personally invited by Gov. Deval Patrick when he heard Shane speak at the Statehouse at a viewing of the movie Bully.

"Greater Lowell Technical High School has been ahead of the curve when it comes to anti-bullying measures, and our students have embraced the efforts," GLTHS Guidance Counselor Brenda Richardson said. "This event clearly hit home. Numerous students have approached me regarding ideas they have to promote anti-bullying programs here at school and in the community."

The STAND UP 2012 program was developed in partnership with renowned bullying-prevention authorities to ensure the most effective messaging and call to action for the students and their educators. The event included educational information, dialogue, entertainment and celebrities to motivate students to stand up to bullying in their communities and schools.

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Students also had an opportunity to break into groups to discuss their own ideas and opinions about bullying and how to create positive change.

"Events like STAND UP help our students better understand what they can do to help those that are being bullied in school," Student Activities Coordinator Rayeanne Gentry said. "Our school is committed to making this a safe and enriching learning environment for all of our students."

The event included an interactive discussion featuring a diverse group of students all impacted by some aspect of bullying. The student audience was encouraged to participate in the discussion through a question-and-answer period and interactive texting technologies. The discussion was facilitated by representatives from the Massachusetts Aggression Reduction Center.

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